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Call for One First Nations Representative to the National Council for Reconciliation

Introduction

An Act to Provide for the Establishment of a National Council for Reconciliation, responding to Call to Action 53 of the Truth & Reconciliation Commission’s Final Report (2015), came into force on July 2, 2024. Under the legislation, the Assembly of First Nations can nominate one director to be elected to the Board of Directors of the National Council for Reconciliation.

The Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations is required through the National Council for Reconciliation Act to select the first board of directors jointly with the Transitional Committee for the National Council for Reconciliation. Future boards will be elected according to the National Council for Reconciliation’s bylaws, and the minister will have no role.

The purpose of the National Council for Reconciliation is to advance reconciliation between Indigenous peoples and non-Indigenous peoples. In carrying out its purpose, the National Council for Reconciliation is to carry out the following functions:

  1. Monitor, evaluate and report annually on the Government of Canada’s post-apology progress towards reconciliation, to ensure that government accountability for reconciling the relationship between Indigenous peoples and the Crown is maintained in the coming years;
  2. Monitor, evaluate and report on the progress being made towards reconciliation across all levels of government and sectors of Canadian society, including the progress being made towards the implementation of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Calls to Action;
  3. Ensure that reconciliation is consistent with the protection and promotion of the rights of Indigenous peoples, including by advancing a rights-based approach to self-determination;
  4. Develop and implement a multi-year National Action Plan for Reconciliation that includes:
    1. Research on practices that advance reconciliation in all sectors of Canadian society, by all governments in Canada and at the international level;
    2. Policy development; and
    3. Public education programs;
  5. Monitor policies and programs of the Government of Canada, and federal laws, that affect Indigenous peoples;
  6. Recommend measures to promote, prioritize and coordinate reconciliation in all sectors of Canadian society and by all governments in Canada;
  7. Educate the public about Indigenous peoples’ realities and histories and advocate for reconciliation in all sectors of Canadian society and by all governments in Canada;
  8. Stimulate and promote innovative dialogue, partnerships between public and private sector bodies and public initiatives aimed at reconciliation;
  9. Monitor and report on the progress made on measurable outcomes, including in relation to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Call to Action number 55; and
  10. Protect Indigenous language rights, including by ensuring that, to promote and support the participation of Indigenous persons in the work of the Council, translation and interpretation services are made available to them.

Remuneration: This is a volunteer position. The National Council for Reconciliation will determine its policy regarding travel expenses incurred in performing duties.

Duration: 4 years

Eligibility Considerations: NCR selection criteria has been identified by the CIRNA’s Transitional Committee and is listed as an addendum to this call.

Proposal Submission Instructions

In your application package, you must:

  1. Submit a written statement that:
      1. Highlights how your knowledge, experience and abilities will contribute to the purpose and functions of the National Council for Reconciliation.
      2. Describes how you would contribute to the representativeness of the board of directors. The AFN selection committee will be looking for qualified individuals who are First Nations and may also provide representation from:
            • Knowledge Keepers,
            • Youth,
            • Women or gender diverse people, or
            • Individuals who represent various regions of Canada.
      3. Provides complete contact information for the applicant.
  1. Provide a resume; and
  2. Supply a maximum of 2 letters of support that include complete contact information for references.

How to apply: Interested applicants can submit all required documents:

  • By email to: [email protected] with “National Council for Reconciliation Application” in the subject line – you will receive an email confirming the receipt of the application.
  • By mail to: Attention: National Council for Reconciliation Application/ AFN Justice Sector

50  Rue O’connor Street/Suite Bureau 200
Ottawa, Ontario
K1P 6L2

Deadline: Applications will be accepted until March 17, 2025 11:59 PST.

  • The Assembly of First Nations must receive all applications and applicable documentation by the deadline.

Evaluation Criteria

Selection process: Updates on the status of applications will not be provided. Only applicants short-listed for an interview will be contacted.

  • Following an assessment of your application, it may be retained by the AFN for future consideration.

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